Ice removing covering for aircraft



June 3 1947. w. H. HUNTER E'r-L 2,421,521

` ICE REMOVING COVERING FOR AIRCRAFT Filed` April 10,` 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 3, 194,7. L w. H. HUNTER ETAL 2,421,621

IC REMOVING COVERING FOR AIRCRAFT Filed April 10, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 3, 1947. i w, H, HUNT TAL 2,421,621

ICE REMVING COVEHING FOR AIRCRAFT Filed April 10, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 3, 1947 ICE REMOVING COVERING FOR AIRCRAFT Willson H. Hunter and William C. Green, Akron,

Ohio, assignors to `The B. F. Goodrich Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 10, 1943, Serial No. 432,536

(Cl. 24A-134) 17 Claims. l

This invention relates to ice removing coverings for the surfaces of structures such, for eX- ample, as aircraft and other vehicles, and is especially useful in its application to inflatable protective coverings for preventing accumulation of ice on the leading edge of wings and other airfoi s.

An airfoil, for example aV wing, of an aircraft in ight may be functioning under cruising, diving, climbing, and stalling conditions, respectively, with corresponding variation in the aerodynamic forces at the leading edge of the airfoil and especially in the area of negative pressure produced by the airfoil. When the wing is provided with an inflatable protective covering of eXible material, such, for example, as resilient rubberlike material, this variation in aerodynamic forces tends at times to cause portions of the covering to lift away or bulge objectionably from the wing surface.

The expedient of venting holes alone in a covering, while itself considerably improving the action of the covering under air flow across it, has been found not to give the most desirable action under all conditions. For example, it has been found that in some cases the areas centrally between ventingr holes have not receivedV the fully effective venting obtained in the regions nearer the venting holes owing to the remoteness of such areas from the holes and restrictions to the f flow of air. Also, in conditions of inflation where it is desir-ed that such areas slide along and lift readily from the airioil surface, the frictional resistance has tended to retard the relative movement. between the covering and the airfoil surface in such intermediate areas, as, for example, by the expedient of knurling the under face of the covering and putting all spaces between the projections of such knurling in direct communication with one another and directly with the venting holes, have not been wholly satisfactory in the respect of venting action owing to the undesirable circulation of air that results among such spaces.

The problem of obtaining most effective venting in all cases is aggravated by the desirability of providing, in some cases, spanwise lines of venting holes separated in the chord-wise direc- Eiorts to maintain effective ventilation y tion in which event all such holes can not be of air in such area is promoted.v In accordance 1 By the present invention provision is made for the most effective flow of air from an area spaced from a venting zone to such zone whether communication of such zone with low air pressure is effected at but a single spanwise station or at two or more such stations spaced-apart in the chordwise direction. The invention further makes possible effective support of the under face of the covering upon the airfoil surface while at the same time frictional resistance that might retard desired relative movement of the covering and airfoil during inflating action is minimized.

Objects of the invention are to provide for compelling the flow of air along determinate paths beneath the covering in accordance with the individual requirements of the airfoil to effect the best venting action, and especially to provide for minimizing objectionable circulation of air in areas at the underside of the covering while providing for effective communication of such areas with a zone or Zones of lower pressure; to provide for conducting the air along paths, preferably rectilinear, which are direct as possible consistent with obtaining the desired pressure condition in said areas and a minimum of objectionable circulation. 1

Other objects of the invention are to provide for promoting equalization of the air pressure along venting channels, preferably rectilinear, extending spa-nwise or extending chord-wise of the covering with respect to the outer air pressure, to provide for ease of movement between the covering and the airfoil, and to provide for venting the covering at an end or ends thereof.

'Ihese and other objects and advantages of the tive covering mounted upon an aircraft wing,

and constructed in accordance with and embodying the invention in one of its forms, parts being broken away and in section,

Fig. 2 isa bottom plan view of the covering of Fig. 1 before its application to the wing, parts being broken away, i v

Fig. 3 is a sectional and perspective bottom 3 view in an enlarged scale taken along line 3--3 of Fig. 2, A

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line li-- of Fig. 2',

Fig. 5 is a view like Fig. 3, but showing a modified construction,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a modified construction of the protective covering as applied to an aircraft wing adjacent an engine nacelle, parts being broken away and in section,

Fig. 7 is a bottom plan View of the covering shown in Fig. 6 before its application to the aircraft wing,

Fig. 7A is a sectional and perspective bottom view showing an alternative construction at the end region A of Fig. 7,

Fig. 7B is a sectional and perspective bottom view showing an alternative construction at the region B of Fig. 7,

Fig. 8 is a sectional and perspective bottom view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. '7,

Fig. 9 is 'a bottom plan view of another modified construction,

Fig. l is a sectional and perspective bottom view taken along line Ill-IIJ of Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view showing a further modification,

Fig. 12 is a sectional and perspective bottom View on an enlarged `.scale taken along line I2-I 2 of Fig. 11,

Fig. 13 is .a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along line I3-I3 of Fig. 11, and

Fig. 14 is a view like Fig. l2 but showing an alternative construction.

The foregoing and other objects are attained in one form of the invention by the Provision in an area, preferably rectangular or generally so, at the inner face of the covering 0f a multiplicity of substantially consecutive rectilinear ribs or lands extending spanwise throughout the extent of the area and defining rectilinear venting channels, each relatively small in crosssection as compared to its length and each opening at a margin of said area into a substantially unidirectional chord-wise manifolding zone, also preferably rectilinear, which Zone is disposed intermediate the ends of the covering or at an end of the covering, the channels being in communication with low pressure air. This form of the invention is useful especially Where the manifolding Zone is in communication with low pressure air at several chord-wise stations Where pressure conditions `are not the same.

In another form of the invention good results for some types of airfoils are obtained by a chordwise disposition of the ribs and included channels which open into a manifolding zone extending spanwise, the paths of ow being preferably rectilinear.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. l, an inflatable protective covering I of elastic construction is mounted upon an airfoil I6, such, for example, as an aircraft wing, the covering being, preferably, in a stretched condition chordwise of the wing and secured to the wing surface or its internal structure along upper and lower attaching margins Il and I8 extending spanwise of the wing. Metal iairing strips I'la may be provided at the attaching margins of the covering I5. End margins 36 and the upper and lower attaching margins Il and le of the covering are adhered to the airfoil I5 as by a suitable adhesive, such, for example, as rubber cement, and the attaching margins I7 and I8 are sealed by a clamping action of the fairing strips IIa and ISa.

The protective covering I5 includes inner and outer layers I9 and 20 of flexible material such, for example, as resilient rubber or other rubberlike material. The inner layer I9 comprises a single ply having a plurality of preferably, Yas shown especially in Figs. 1 to 5, a multiplicity of substantially consecutive and uniformly spaced-apart rectilinear lands or rib elements 2| on the corrugated or striated inner face at upperI and lower stretchable portions ma and |91) of the covering and having a smooth inner face at a distortable portion Ic of the covering, while the outer layer 2B comprises two plies 28a and 26h and having a smooth outer face. The covering also includes a plurality of inflatable tubes 22 to 24 preferably of resilient rubber or other rubber-like material which may be reinforced as by an elastic fabric, the tubes being sandwiched between the inner and outer layers I and 2Q, as shown for example in Fig. l, and extending spanwise along the covering in the distortable portion I9c. In the arrangement shown the underlying tube 22 overlaps the tubes 23 and 24, but any desired arrangement of the tubes may be used. Fillerl .elements 25 to 2'! of rubber-like material may be provided at the margins of the tubes.V

Stretchable reinforcing tapes 28 extending chordwise are positioned at spanwise intervals along the covering .I5 for providing additional tear resistance to the structure and for providing for chordwise-extending rectilinear venting grooves 29, and rubber filler strips 3i! are positioned between the margins -of the tapes 28 in imperforate generally rectangular areas defined by the tapes. The reinforcing tapes 28 extend, desirably, to the margins of the inflatable tube 22 but may extend continuously across the covering I5 between the attaching margins Il and IB.

The upper and lower attaching margins Il and I of the covering I5 may be reinforced by beads 3l and 3m of stiff material, such, for example, as wire, and by strip elements 32 of fabric or other suitable material. The covering I5 may be attached to the wing IE at the upper and lower margins by screws 33 passing through the fairing strip, the strip element, and the bead and into the structure of the wing; and these margins are sealed against air leakage by the clamping action of the fairing strip. End margins 35 of the covering having a smooth inner face are preferably adhered to the wing as by a suitable adhesive, such, for example, as rubber cement. The rubber and fabric parts of the covering are preferably united as a unit by vulcanization;

Apertures or venting holes 3d in the stretchable portions ISa and ISlb` of the covering and extending therethrough in the venting grooves 29 at the reinforcing tapes 28 are provided for venting the space beneath the covering I5. The apertures are disposed along lines spanwise of the airfoil at corresponding chord-wise positions, adjacent holes along a spanwise line being exposed to the same or nearly the same conditions of low pressure air. In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, two venting holes 34 are provided in each reinforcing tape 28 in the upper stretchable portion lila, and a single venting hole is provided in the lower stretchable portion |95, the tube area 2SC separating'the'upper holes from the lower holes. However, other suitable combinations of the venting holes with the reinforcing` tapes may be provided. For example, a greater or lesser number of Venting holes may be in the upper portion 19a Vin each tape 28, or a venting hole may be in alternate tapes in the lower porin the lowerportion |9b;

In the operation' of the protective covering l5 when installed upon an aircraft wing lthe inflatable tubes 22, 23, 24, are inflated and deiiated rapidly with a rest period between inflations. Inflation of the tubes moves the inner face of the covering at the stretchable portions outwardly from the wing ybut upon the deation of the tubes the inner face returns against the wing. Under both inflation and deation and also in the deflated condition the construction herein described facilitates the performance. i

It is desirable that the path of the flow of air between the respectiveventing holes 34 in each reinforcing tape 28 in the upper stretchable portion I9a, for example, be in 'a rectilinear chordwise line for minimum length of the path and thereby minimum loss due to pressure drop. The ow of air in all directions and in non-rectilinear paths between the venting holes is not permitted sincethe walls of the venting grooves 29 restrict the ow of air to a rectilinearly determinate path in a chord-Wise direction; hence the flow of air will not exist in many directions between the venting holes in the space between the covering l5 and the wing I6. Flow from each spot in the channeled Varea is along a determinate path, rather than a'number of paths of different length, and variable configuration or"` pressures and `objectionable circulation under the lcovering is avoided. l l

The chord-wise extending manifolding Zones or venting grooves 29 are provided for interconnecting the venting holes 34 and for distributing the venting action in a rectilinear line fore and aft, preferably along the reinforcing tapes 23, whereby a plurality of spaced-apart chord-Wise extending venting zones 2S are provided at spanwise intervals along the covering l5. It is desirable that the venting holes 34 at the reinforcing tapes 28 be disposed centrally along the venting grooves 29 for assuring the passage of air through the venting holes while eliminating any check valve action of the margins of the venting holes and for assuring the flow of air in a rectilinear and chordwise path with a minimum of pressure drop along the manifolding zones.`

In the functioning of the venting holes 34 and the chordwise-extending venting grooves 29, `the pressure at each of the spaced-apart venting holes 34 in each of theiventing grooves 29 in the stretchableportion I9a, for example, may be different in which case some `air will ilow by virtue of the pressure differential between thesektwo venting holes in each venting groove, without however promoting objectionable circulation in the area between adjacent venting grooves, because the pressures in adjacent grooves 29 are substantially the same when the venting holes 34 are positioned along lines spanwise of the covering at corresponding chord-Wise points. The rectilinear and chord-wise path provided by the venting grooves 29 promotes rapidly a condition of equilibrium in the flow of air betwen the venting holes during changes in` flightconditions of the wing.

The multiplicity of small coextensive lands 2| extend spanwise along the covering in imperiorate areas 35 defined between the spaced-apart venting grooves 29 and terminate at the latter, while coextensive venting channels 21a, are in communication with the manifolding' zones or` venting'grooves 29 whereby equalization of the air pressures along the venting channels in the areas 'between the grooves is promoted with respect to the air pressures in the venting grooves. The contact of the coextensive lands 2l with the 'airfoil I6 provides for total connement of each of the spanwise coextensive channels 2 la inthe imperforate areas 35 exceptat the ends of the channels communicatingwith the chordwise venting grooves 29 or manifolding zones; i l

The air pressure in each spanwise channel'may be slightly different from the air pressure in'each adjacent spanwise channel due to the changing pressures along the chordwise venting grooves 29; However, there is a minimum flow of air along the spanwise channels from venting groove to venting groove because substantially the same air pressure exists at each end of the spanwise channels, when corresponding chord-wise positions are used for the apertures or venting holes 34 in adjacent venting grooves. i

The outer air pressure at the venting holes 34 in the reinforcing tapes 28 changes in accordance with the changes in flight conditions of the wing, and the air pressures along the venting channels 2 la and the manifolding zones or venting grooves 29 change rapidly and correspondingly, Vand quickly attain a new state of equilibrium, while the quantity of air in each venting channel varies to suit thenew pressure conditions `at each end thereof in communication with the `venting grooves. It is desirable for optimum venting action that the upper and lower attaching margins l1 and` I8 and the respective end margins 36 of the covering be sealed against the leakage of air therethrough, and that leakage of air from within the wing to the space under the covering be prevented for avoiding objectionable vbulging of the covering and for obtaining desirable pressure conditions under the covering. Selection of the locations of venting holes along lines spanwise of the covering at corresponding chord-wise positions can thereby be made without complications resulting from such leakage of` air.

Preferably, chord-wise-extending ducts 38 closed at each end, are provided in the stretchable `portions lSa and I9b.at the end margins 3S as shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and the venting channels 2Ia are in communication with the ducts 38 for facilitating the-venting action Vup to positions near the ends of the covering l5.

In addition to promoting equalization of the pressures in the rectangular areas under the covering with respect to the outer air pressures for preventing objectionable bulging of the `clovering and rapidly promoting astate of equilibrium of the pressures under the covering during changing flight conditions, `the flow of air along determinate paths beneath the covering together with the absence of detrimental spanwiseY flow of air from venting groove to venting groove also reduces or prevents the entrance of harmful moisture and oil to the space between-the protective covering and the wing. i i i Y Additional advantages of this construction are lesser frictional forces between the inner `face of the covering and the `wing by virtue of the lesser bearing area of the multiplicity` of small rib elements against the wing, as compared with `a smooth inner face at the stretchable portion of the covering, and the; provision of an eiective reservoir on the inner face for lubricants, such, for example, as soapstone or talc, by virtue of the venting channels storage capacity. Also, the restriction of chord-Wise communication between the spanwise. channels in the areas between the.

venting grooves or manifolding Zones minimizes undesirable flow of air generally at the inner face of the covering l and prevents objectionable suction'of the lubricant from beneath the covering through the venting holes.

The provision of the multiplicity of small, closely-spaced lands or rib elements, rather than a few large and widely-spaced lands, especially in a thin structure, has the advantage of promoting uniformity of support ofthe covering against the airfoil throughout the extent of the ribbed area, with the resulting advantage of producing evennessr of the outer aerodynamic surface when the covering is against the airfoil, despite the presence ofthe non-supporting spaces at the inner face of the covering. Owing to the fact that successive venting channels are closely spaced, the relatively thin portions of the covering at such channels, which have greater stretchability than the intervening, thicker rib portions, eiectively cooperate with one another in their loosening action upon surface ice, so that no considerable extent of ice will remain unaffected by the ice-loosening action of such portions of greater stretchability during inflation of the covering. Also, in this ice-loosening action under the increased stretch of inflation, these vportions of greater stretchability tend to dip slightly at the surface as compared to the adjacent rib areas owing to the greater contraction in thickness resulting from their greater stretch, which dipping action further increases the effectiveness of iceloosening action, and upon deflation ofthe covering and consequent reduction of the stretch, the dipped condition recedes to make for evenness of the outer surface when the covering is against the air foil, which is advantageous aerodynamical'ly.

The modified construction shown in Fig. 5 differs from that shown in Fig. 3 with respect tothe manner of providing the chord-wise venting gYOOVeS. In Fig. 5 a portion of the inner layer I9 is cut-away along each chord-wise-extending reinforcing tape 28a for providing venting grooves 29a, each of the tapes having, desirably, a thin rubber coating on the exterior face for `providing a smooth surface along the venting groove, and the opposite margins of the tapes 28a are vnot folded over rlike those of the tapes 28. Thin rubber sheet filler strips 33a of substantially the same thickness as the reinforcing tapes are positioned between the marginsof adjacent tapes 25a'. Venting holes 34 extend through the covering-in the venting grooves 29a, and the'ends'of the venting channels 2Ia are open at the venting grooves 29a.

For some applications of protective coverings, the modified construction 45 illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is desirable and is similar to the covering l5 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in many of its aspects but differs in that no apertures or venting holes through the covering and no chord-wise-extending venting grooves are utilizedV in the flexible structure 45, the chordwise vventing being provided by a venting VZone at the end of the covering. The inflatable protective covering 45 is mounted, preferably, in a stretched condition chord-wise ofthe wing 46 and secured thereto along the upper and lower attaching margins 4l and 48 extending spanwise of the wing, fairing strips 41a being provided at the attaching margins.

The covering 45 includes inner and outer layers 49 and 50 of resilient rubber or other rubber-like material. The inner layer 49 comprises a single ply having a multiplicity of spaced-apart rectiilinear and coextensive lands 5l or rib elements' on the inner face including upper and lower stretchable portions 49a and 49h and a distortable portion 49o of the covering. The outer layerY 50 comprises two plies a. and 50h and having a smooth outer face. A plurality of inflatable tubes 52 and 54, preferably of resilient rubber or other rubber-like material desirably reinforced by an elastic fabric, are sandwiched between the inner and outer layers 49 and 50 and extend spanwise along the covering in the distortable portion 49o. The tube 52 underlies tubes 53 and 54, but other desired arrangements of the tubes maybe used. Suitable rubber ller elements 55 to 5'! being provided at the margins of the tubes. Stretchable reinforcing tapes 58 extending chordwise may be positioned at spanwise intervals along the covering for providing additional tear resistance to the structure. These tapes 58 extend to the margins of the tube 52 but, if desired, may extend continuously between the attaching margins 41 and 48. Sponge rubber or rubber sheet filler .strips may be positioned between the margins of the tapes 58 in the imperfcrate rectangular areas of the stretchable portions 49a, and 4927. The upper and lower attaching margins 4l andv 48 of theV coverings 45 may be reinforced by beads 6I of suitable stiff material and by fabric strip elements 62. The covering may be attached to the wing 46 by screws 63 passing through the fairing strip, the strip element and the bead and into the wing 46. The rubber and fabric parts of thecovering 45 are preferably united as a u-nit by vulcaniZation.

The spaced-apart rectilinear and coextensive lands or rib elements 5l extend, desirably, spanwise from end to end in the rectangular area oocupying in this case the entire inner face of the covering, as shown in Fig. '7, defining spacedapart rectilinear and coextensive venting channels 5|a extending spanwise and being open at their ends for communicating with the outer air. The rib elements 5I may also be disposed only in the imperforate areas of the upper and lower stretchable portions 49a and 49o between the attaching margins 4l and 43 and the outer margins of the tubes 53 and 54.

The venting channels Ela are totally confined throughout their extent except at the ends of the covering 45 by virtue of the contact of the ribv elements with the wing 45; hence chordwise communication between adjacent venting channels is prevented thereby promoting equalization of the air pressure along the spanwise channels with respect to the outer air pressure at the ends of the covering. Generally, for protective coverings of short spanwise extent, the outer air pressure at each end is substantially the same thus minimizing flow of air along the venting channels, and the air pressures in the respective venting channels spanwise along the covering correspond substantially to the respective outer air pressures around the profile of the'wing at the ends of the covering. Y

However, for some applications, the protective covering 45 may be of such spanwise extent that the outer air pressures at the ends of the covering are appreciably different, and because of this pressure differential undue ow of air through' venting channels may occur together with variable pressures spanwise along the venting channels. To the end of preventing such undesirable flow of air, a chordwise-extending partitioning element 64 of resilient rubber-like material having a smooth or a chord-wise ribbed surface adjacent the wing may be provided at the region B of Fig. 7 and as shown especially in Fig. 7B.

In this arrangement the venting channels 51a terminate at the partitioning element 64 but are open at'the ends of the covering; thus the inner face of the covering is divided, desirably, into substantially equal portions, each portion having a spanwise end venting action through the channels a responsive to the outer air pressures at the venting zone at its end of the covering. This promotes equalization of the air pressures along the channels in each portion with respect to the outer air pressures at-the respective ends of the covering. With changes in flight conditions, air will enter some of the channels in accordance with changes in pressure distribution at the mani.

folding or venting zones at the ends of the covering, and a new state of equilibrium of pressure in each portion of the covering will be reached rapidly.

`It may be desirable for some applications to provide venting of the covering at one end only in order to exclude the entrance of water, for

example, or to utilize the advantages of interference effects at one end only, especially when the covering is of short spanwise extent, and to this end the arrangement shown in Fig. '7 may be modied at the end region A, for example, as shown especially in Fig. 7A. The spaced-apart rectilinear lands or rib` elements 5l terminate short of the end A at a chordwise-extending sealing strip 66 of rubber-like `material having a smooth outer surface. The upper and lower attaching margins 41 and 48 and the marginal sealing strips 65 are adhered to the wing as by a suitable adhesive like rubber cement and the margins 41 and 48 may be sealed by a clamping action of the fairing strips for preventing leakage of air therethrough. Since the venting channels 5|a defined by the rib elements 5l are open to the outer air pressures at the manifolding or venting zone at the end opposite end A, the end venting action described hereinabove will occur only from the open end with a minimum circulation of air beneath the covering thereby preventing objectionable bulging.

The construction shown in Figs. 6, 7, 7A and 7B facilitate selection of a covering which will operate effectively at the desired, location upon the leading edge of the airfoil, especially when advantage is taken of pressure conditions due to the interference effects on air flow at the junctions between parts of the aircraft, such, for example, as `between the fuselage and the wing, the wing and engine nacelle 46a, and the fuselage and 1in or stabilizer. These interference effects often cause greater velocities of flow of air and hence greater negative pressures than are present around the profile of the airfoil at a distance from the regions of intersection of the airfoil and the fuselage or engine nacelle, for example.

The greater negative pressures resulting spanwise along the venting channels 5Ia from disposing the end or ends of the covering at the regions of interference eects may be of material assistance in obtaining the desired pressure condition under the covering. A further advantage is obtained for the modified covering shown in Fig. 7A, when, for example, the open end of the covering 45 is at the junction of the fuselage and vertical iin, in that the entrance of water, oil and other foreign material beneath the covering is prevented effectively during the venting action of the `venting channels. Special treatment of the open end or ends of the covering 45, as is shown especially in Fig. 7 at the end opposite end. A may be made for securing the best venting action for prevailing local air flow conditions, such, for example, as shaping the end or ends in a manner to provide for an aspirating effect at the venting channels.

In the operation of the protective covering 45 in its deflated condition each spanwise venting vchannel Ela transmits along the covering the outer air pressure at the position of the channel on the profile of the wing and at the end or ends of the covering, whereby equalization of the air pressure along the channel is promoted with respect to the outer air pressure thus preventing effectivelyy objectionable bulging of the covering. As night conditions alter the pressure distribution at the end orends of the covering, flow of air occurs and causes the new pressure distribution to be established rapidly along the venting channels, during which venting action air is exhausted from some of the Vchannels while airis drawn into the other channels. Thus the covering 45 is vented effectively and objectionable bulging is prevented during the changes in air pressures around the leading edge of the airfoil.

The modiiied construction 45' shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is especially suitable for applications where the covering is of such spanwise extent that an appreciable lpressure differential exists between the ends of the covering. The arrangement is like the covering 45 in some of its aspects and includes inner and outer layers 49', 55', inflatable tubes 52', 53', 54' sandwiched between the layers 49', 55' and extending spanwise along a distortable portion 49o of the covering 45', upper and lower attaching margins 41', 48' between which margins and the margins of the tube 52' are disposed stretchable reinforcing tapes 58' extending chordwise at spanwise intervals, and ller strips 50' of rubber-like material between the margins of the tapes 58. The distortable portion 49e' has a, smooth inner surface for disposition against the airfoil.

In the imperforate and generally rectangularv areas of stretchable portions 49a' and 4917" at the inner face of the covering are provided a multiplicity of spaced-apart coextensive lands or rib elements 5I', preferably rectilinear, extending spanwise along the covering and defining amultiplicity of spaced-apart coextensive venting channels la' open at the ends of the covering and open at one or more chordwise-extending manifolding zones or venting grooves 59', preferably rectilinear, for communication with the outer air pressures through the openings of the chan-` nels at the ends of the covering and through spaced-apart apertures or venting holes 64' in the covering at the venting grooves 59'. 'Ihe venting grooves 59' extend along the chordwise reinforc` ing tapes 53' which may have a thin rubber coating for providing a smooth outer surface and which are positioned intermediate the ends and at the central region of the covering as shown in Fig. 9. The venting holes 54' are disposed cenl l grooves .59 and provide for promoting equalization of the air pressures along the spanwise channels with respect to the `outer air pressures at the ends of thecove'ring and at the venting holes 64.

yIn the operation of the protective covering 45 in thedeflated condition when the inner face of the covering is against the airfoil, the outer air pressures at .the ends .of the covering around the fprole'of Ythe airfoil are transmitted toward the central region of the covering along the spanwise `channels V(Ela. .while the air pressures existing `in 4the chordwise manifolding zones are transmitted through the venting channels spanwise along the covering with minimum flow of air. 1n this mannerequalization of air pressures under the covering with respect to the outer air pressures is promoted and objectionable bulging of tlieovering is prevented. As flight conditions of thawing change causing changes in the outer air pressures at the ends of .the covering and at the venting `holes, the `air pressuresalong the span- WSe .channels and the chordvvise venting grooves correspondingly change and rapidly reach a new state 'of equilibrium.

The modied construction i5 shown in Fig. 11 is desirable for applications to airfoils, when spanwivse venting of the .covering is preferably at the region `of the attaching margins. As illustrated `in Figs. 11 .to 1.4, the covering 15 having upper and lower .attaching margins 'l1 and 18 includes inner and .outer layers 'I9 and 80 (80a and 89D) lot resilient rubber or other rubber-like material ,and a plurality yof spanwise-extending inflatable tubes .82, 83, 8:1 of resilient rubber material 4preferably `reinforced with suitable elastic fabric, the ytubes .being `sandwiched between the inner'and outer layers 19 and 8,8. The tube 82 underlies .the tubes 83 and 84 like the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 but any desired arrangemaybe used. -The inner layer 19 has a plurahtyof spaced-apari-l chordwise-extending rectilinear lands .or rib elements 8| throughout the v-irnperforate v,and generally rectangular area or areas' of the entire inner surface for disposition against the airfoil and for dening a plurality oLffspaced-'apart chordwi'se-extending rectilinear venting channels 8 la ,extending between the margins 'H `and 18 of the covering. YStretchable reinforcing tapes ,88 .extend .chordwise lbetvveen the upper and `lower attaching margins 'Il and 18 at spaced-apart spanwise positions,`preferably terminatingat the margins of the tube 82 but may extend ','continuously across the tubes. Rubber illerstrips 90 are provided between the margins of the tapes 88. A bead 3l enclosed in a fabric strip ,element 82 is provided at each of the attaching margins 'l'li and 18 which margins are secured-to the wing as by spaced-apart screws extending therethrough and sealed against leakage of air by a suitable adhesive in the manner described hereinabove. The rubber and fabric parts Yof the covering 'i5 are united as a unit by vulcanization.

The chordwise rectilinear lands or rib elements 8| in the generally rectangular areas of the inner layer 19 are disposed, preferably, to the ends of the ,covering 'l5 whereby the leakage of air at the margins of these ends is prevented by the .contact ofthe ribs with the airfoil. The chordwise venting channels Blardefined by the rib elenier-.its V,8| Vare in communication with a spanwseeextending manifolding or venting zone or groove lforpromoting equalization of the air pressures along'the ventingchannels with respect tothe air pressures along the groove. The

venting groove `89 =is disposed,` preferably, in the upper stretchable portion 19a at the region of the upper attaching margin ,11. lThe venting groove .89 may be positioned intermediate the attaching margin 11 and the margin of th inatable tube 82 or may be positioned adjacent the attaching margin 1], and the venting groove 89 extends, desirably, along a spanw'ise rectilinear line ,at `corresponding ehordwise positions. For Some -applioatios o Second Snanwiso venting groove `may be provided in the lower stretchable portion 19h at the region `o f the lower attaching margin 18 lwhich second groove may be of lazcenstruction like the groove 89,. l

The `venting groove 8 8 4extends nbetween th ends of the covering "1,5 and terminates at rib elements disposed inwardly of these end s, as shown especially in Figs. 1 ;1 `and 11.2, Apertures or venting holes 94' extending through thecovering at the reinforcing tapes 88 are provided in the venting groove 89 along a spanwise `line yat corresponding chordwise positions for I communication of the venting `groove and the venting channels with the outer 'air pressures. These venting lholes `are `disposed in ,each tape :88, but may be disposed, for example, in alternate tapes or only in the respective tapes at the ends yof the covering 7,5.

In the operation of the protective covering '11.5 subsequent to the inflation and deation of Ythe tubes :82, 83, 84, the outer air pressures are v.transmitted through the venti-ng holes 94 and then spanwise along the venting groove 189. Since the chordwise Venting channels 81al are in communication with the spanwise venting groove, the fair pressures Valong the groove are 4transmitted along the venting channels promoting equalization of the air `pressures under the covering `with respect to the outer ,air pressures, thus preventing objectionable bulging of the covering 15. .Changes in flight conditions of the airfoil alter the'outer air pressures .over the .covering thereby causing air to be aspirated through the venting holes which action alters rapidly-the air pressures existing under the covering to .conform to the changedgouter air pressures by virtue'of Ithe Vintercommunication of the holes, venting groove, and venting channels.

An alternative arrangement ofthecovering A'l5 is shown in Fig. 14, in which arrangement a spanwise-extending venting groove 89a is adjacent theupper attaching margin 11 and is open to the outer air pressures at the'ends .of the `cov.- ering for providing for venting lthe groove 89a and the venting channels 81a in communication therewith. 1It is preferable here for bestl venting action that no venting holes be provided `at the respective reinforcing tapes, .the .openings of the venting groove saat the ends ofthe covering bei-ng util-ized for this purpose. However, for someappl-iootionis, venting holes at the tapes may be desirable for-supplementing the end venting of the groove 89a.

Variations may be made without departing from the scono .o f the invention `as it is defined in the fol-IOWHS AClfilrls.-

Wo claim:

vl. A Yprotective "covering for preventing ac.- Cumulotioo of ice upon a struoture ina flow .of ai-r under ice-.forming conditions across the coverma Said covoring comprising oxible material and maladies moans for distorting the outer faire of the Covering `and a oo rosato@ .Surface beneath Said outer .tooo said Surface boing movablorelativo to Said structure onder thodistortion and ;2.'A l 'protective covering Vfor preventing aca cumulation of nice upon a structurein la ilow `ol air under ice-forming conditions across.the covering,`fsaid covering comprising flexible material and including means fordisterting the out-er face of-,the covering v and a .multiplicity of consecutive and coextensi've landsin side-by-side and spacedapart relation tonne anotherl at the ,corrugated inner face of the covering for disposition against said structure, said inner face --being movable relative to said structure underthe distortion, said lands defining coextensive channels between said lands, each channel being coextensive with said lands and being relatively small in cross-section as compared to its length, and a venting groove extending Isubstantially unidirectionally` across said landsinY a direction in which a margin of thefcovering extends and intersecting the lands oflea'ch said channels Vin communication with Y said' groove, the Alatter being in `communication vvth'sai` flow of'air for venting air at said face to the atmosphere; i ,Y s

f protective covering for preventing `accumulation of ice upon an airfoiLvsaid 'covering 114 outer `face;saidsurface ingmovable relativeto Said airfoil runder..thelilstortion and having-:1in said areaamultiplicityof consecutiveand spacedapart @extensive `lands fin: `Side-,by-s-ideV relation ,extending-ia said i ,Straight Side-of said: area ,andl fiminine a, multiplicity Ofi ,COeXtenSve i venting Channels `cisitlativelslfi ereatflength as contare@` Channels are inside-Parade relation separated:by,V Said @geeignete ilandsihroushout their extent 5. Y Ai protective covering-for preventingaccumucomprising resilient rubber-like material having i anlii'nne'r face for disposition against said airfoil andin'cluding aninflatable portion,` a stretchable portionof said material between said inflatable portion `and amargin of the ,coverngand means for iniiating said inflatable portiomsaid stretchable` portion at said inner facebeinguniformly corrugated in an ,imperorate area thereof bounded at opposite sideslby rectilinear venting zones,` each'Zone extending in .a direction` at angle to said `margin andbeing fin, communication with the outer air, said stretchable portion at` said area having a lmultiplicity?,of uniformly spaced lands extending between said zones in the i direction of said margin and defining a maluplicity of channels extending fromventing Zone to-venting zone, each channelbeing in communi--` cation with said zones, and 'said stretchable portion at each of said channelsI beingof lesser thickness than at each of saidlands providing a multiplicity of regions of greater stretchability immediately atsaid channels than at said lands byvirtue of th'e resiliency of said material whereby, 'under a condition of stretch, said` stretchable portion at saidregions of greater stretchabilityisstretched to a greater extentv and is further reduced in thickness as compared to that at said lands thereby providing relatively extensive stretching and a depression in the outer surface of said stretchable portion at each of said regions ofthe covering for facilitating eifective removal of icedeposited on such latter portion.`

4. jA protective covering for preventing accumulation of ice upon an airfoil in flow of air, said covering .comprising exiblevinaterial at the outerface thereof and including a striated surface having an area beneath said'outer face bounded by. spanwise and chordwise sides, atleast one of f said sides being substantially Straight, and said` covering .comprising means `for distorting said covering;.comprising-exible `material aty the outer fia-Geihlaoifand-windmills aSurface-havins generally rectangular and striatedarea beneathI said outer face,boundedcbyspanwise and chordwise, sides, e Ivandfsaid ,covering comprising means fondistorting saidouterace, said surface being movable Arelative s to said airfoil under `the distortion,y and ,having in said area a multiplicity of` consecutive andsubstantially,uniformly spacedapart coex nsivejlands in s ide-by-side relation `extending inea spanwse directionigenerally par,

allel with a spanwise side of said area to a chord-r wise sida of the latter and A,defining `a l multiplicity of i coextensive venting channels of relatively great length: as QOmpared gto their width extending spanwisefbetween Vsaid lands A to said chordwise sideisuch that said channels are in side-by-side relation separated; by 4 said e, coextensiveA :lands throughout theirextent andere each substantiallycoextensive with said lands. i. i i i A 6. A 'protective covering for preventing accumulation-cffice uponian arfoilin flow of air;

saideoveririg comprisingqflexible material at the i `outer falce thereofand` including a surface having `a generallyrectangular and,striated` area beneath said outer face VboundedV by` spanwiseand chordwiser-sides,` and said coveringgcomprising means for distorting `said-outer face, `said surface being movable relative 4to `said ,airfoil under :the distortion` and jhavingin said V areaia multiplicityof consecutive; and coextensivelands extendingdn achordwise direction generally parallel 4withiav` s chordwise side off said area-toa spanwise side"ofl the latter and `deiinin g arnultiplicity of coextensa.

`sive venting channels ,ofrelatiyely great length as` comparedto their width extending chordwise between said lands to said spanwise side suchthat said channels are in sidef-byfside relation #separated by said coextensivelands throughout their extent. n i

-7. A `protectivegcovering for an `airfoil, said covering comprising flexible` material andMin-i `cluding a multiplicity-- of consecutive and substantially uniformly spaced-apart i, coextensive lands in: an imperforate generallyi rectangular andlcorrugatedjarea at; the inner Aface of :saidi covering for disposition against the airfoil, and` means for; distorting the-outer face of said covering, said lands.being movable relative to` `said airfoil under thedistortion and defining a multil p'lioity of Vcoextenlsive channels, said lands extending generally parallel` with aimargin of said `area in sideby-side relation to one another, ancl said channels being iopen at another-*margin of saidt area for communication withlow pressure air,`

each channel being relatively smallin cross-secrtion as compared toitslength. i

` 8. A .protective .covering for an airfoil,` said covering comprising `at its underl surface` chordwise-extending rectilineariventing zones for communication with/lowpressure air, said zones being spaced-.apartispanwise of the covering andl ,pro-

`=viding between them an imperforate area of ,said

under surface, and a multiplicity of substantially uniformly spaced-apart lands onfsaid under surface in fside-by-side relation ito oneV another and extending spa'nvvise thereof-'in said imperforate area and terminating at said venting Zones, providing a multiplicityof adjacent venting channels extending spanvvise in side-by-sid'e relation separated by said lands throughout their extent 'from zone to vZone in communication 'with thejzones and `providing, by l'contact 'o'f said lands VWith the airfoil, total confinement ci each -of the spanwise channels except at the f ends thereof communicatingvvfith the chordW-ise 'venting zones, each channel being of relatively great length as compared to its Width.- y

9. A protective covering for an air'foil, said covering comprising at its lunder surface a chordwise-extending rectilinear venting '-Zon'e intermediate v'the lends of said covering for communication vvth low pressure air, an imperforate area of said 'under surface 'between 'an end 4of the covering and said venting zone, and a multiplicity of substantially un-iormly spaced-'apart lands on said under surface 'in side-by-side relation to vone anther and extending spanwise thereof in said imperforate area from said venting zone to said e'nd of the covering, providing a multiplicity of adjacent venting channels extending spanwise from 'said end in communication with said venti-ng zone and being open -atsaid vend ci the covering 'to the outer air and providing by contact fof said lands with the fairioil, Tt'otal coniinement of each of said venting channels except at the end thereof communicating'vvith the venting Vzone and at said end of the covering, each channel being of relatively great length fas compared to its Width.

10. A protective covering lfor preventing accumulation oi ice lupon''an aircraft; said covering comprising resilient rubber-like material having a'n inner ia'c'elfor disposition against the aircraft, and yinflatable means for distorting said' covering, said 'covering having -a multiplicity of spacedapar-t Icoextensive rib elements 'side-by-side relation to one another at said inner face and deiining a multiplicity foi spaced-apart coextensi've channels, said rib elements fand channels extending to an end 'or'fsaid covering and the Ichannels being open atea-id 'end for promoting equalization of the air pressure along 'said Achannels with respect to the youter 'air pressure lat sai-d end of the covering, said channels having lengths many times their cross-sectional dimensions.

l 11. A r.protective covering vfor preventing accumulationfo'f ice iupon ain airfoil, fsaid covering comprising r'e o ent rubber-like material having an inner face "for disposition against l"the airfoil, and 'means for'distortihgithe covering, said covering having a fin-u' ipcity of `consecutive and spaced-apart lcoextensive rlibele'ments side-byside relation to 'one another and `exitending.; span- Wise` ofthe covering fait said 'inner -face and de"- fining a multiplicity of 'spaced-'apart 'ooextensive channels, Vsaid 'rib elements and channels terminating ait la Iline extending in "the direction in Whichlan end of the covering extends, and lsaid covering havinga'chordwiseeetnding rectilinear venting 'groove inte edi'ate Y ne ends ci saidv covering 'and acrossfsaid rib elements at said inner face for communication'ivithlovv pressure air, 'said channels l"being open at said 'venting Igroove for promoting 'equalization of the air 'pressure along said channels vWith respect to the air pressure in said venting groove, and said Ychannels having lengths many times their' cross-sectional nim-ensions.

l2. A protective covering for Vpreventing accumulation of ice upon-an airoil, said covering comprisingresilient rubber-like material having an4 inner vface for disposition against the airfoil, and iniiatable means for distorting the-covering, said covering having a multiplicity of consecutive andH substantially vuniformly spaced-apart coextensive rib elements in side-loy-side relationto .one another and extending `spanwise of theco'verring at said inn-er face and defining amu'ltiplicity' of spaced-apart coextensive channels, and said covering having spaced-apart chordwise-extending rectilinear venting grooves intermediate the ends of said covering and across said rib elements and `channels atsaid inner surface, said venting grooves having apertures extending through said covering in communication with the outer air, said channels being coextensive with said 'ribbed elements land open at said venting grooves for promoting equalization of the air pressure along said channels with respect to the air pressure in said venting grooves, and said channels having lengths many times their cross-sectional dimensions.

l13. A protective covering for preventing accumulation of ice upon an :airfoiL said 'covering comprising a iiexible structure of resilient rubber-like material having an inner face for disposition against the airfoil and including a distortable portion, inatable means for distorting' chordvvise positions, and said structure having aV multiplicity of substantially uniformly spacedapart coextensive rib 'elements at said inner face ext-ending spanwise thereof in said imperfora'teV areas vand z'terminating at said venting grooves, providing a multiplicity of 'adjacent spaced-apart coextensive -channels extending Yspanwise from venting *groove to venting groove in communicati'on with said venting grooves, whereby equalization fof the air pressure along said channels is .promoted with respect to the air pressure at said apertures, and said channels having lengths many times their cross-sectional dimensions. v 14. A protective covering for preventing accumulation of ice Yupon an 'airfoiL said covering comprising resilient rubber-like material 'having an inner Vface for 'disposition against the airfoil, andfinean's for distorting the covering, said covering having a multiplicity of consecutive and spaced-apart lands 'in side-by-side relation ex-V tending chordwise ofthe covering at said inner face and defining a multiplicity of spaced-apart channels such that said channels are in side-byside relation separated by said lands throughout their extent, 'and said 'covering havingka s'panwiseextending venting groove across .said lands at said inner face for communication with lowpressure air, said channels being open 'at said venting groove 'for promoting equalization oi air .pressure along the channels with respect V"to the air .pressurel in said venting .groove and being relatively small vin cross-sectionV 'as compared to their lengths.

r5.- A 'protective covering for preventing' accumulation of ice upon an airfoil, said covering comprising resilient rubber-like material having an inner face for disposition against the airfoil, and means for distorting the covering, said covering having a multiplicity of consecutive and spaced-apart coextensive rib elements extending chordwise of the covering -at said inner face and terminating at the sides of said covering and defining a multiplicity of spaced-apart coextensive channels, and said covering having a venting groove intermediate the sides of said covering and extending spanwise across said rib elements intermediate the ends of said covering at said inner face, said venting groove having spaced-apart apertures extending through the covering in communication with the outer air, and said channels being open at said venting groove for promoting equalization of the air pressure along said channels with respect to the air pressure in said venting groove and being relatively small in crosssection as compared to their lengths.

16. A protective covering for an airfoil, said covering comprising resilient rubber-like m-aterial and including an imperforate and striated area at the under surface of said covering bounded by sides at least one of which extends substantially normal to `and intersects another side, a multiplicity of consecutive lands in said area on said under surface extending generally parallel With a side and terminating at a side intersecting it, means for distorting the outer face of said covering, said lands being movable relative to said airfoil under the distortion and said lands dening a multiplicity of channels such that the latter are in side-by-side relation separated throughout their extent by said lands, and a unidirectional Venting zone extending across said lands and intersecting the lands with said channels in communication with said zone for venting air at said area to the atmosphere, each 18 channel being relatively small in cross-section as compared to its length.

17. A protective covering for an airfoil, said covering comprising resilient rubber-like material and including an imperforate and striated area at the under surf-ace of said covering bounded by sides, at least one of said sides extending span- Wise generally parallel with a spanwise margin of the covering and another of said sides extending chordwise generally parallel with a chord- Wise margin of said covering and intersecting the first said side, a multiplicity of consecutive lands in said area on said under surface extending generally parallel with the spanwise side of said larea and terminating at the ehordwise side of said area, means for distorting the outer face of said covering, said lands being movable relative to said airfoil under the distortion and said lands defining a multiplicity oi channels such that the channels are in side-by-side relation separated by said lands throughout their extent, and a venting Zone extending along said chordwise side of said area with said channels in communication with said Zone for venting air at said area to the atmosphere, each channel being relatively small in cross-section as compared to its length.`

WILLSON H. HUNTER. WILLIAM C. GREEN.

REFERENCES CITED The :following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,168,328 Diehl Aug. 8, 1939 2,334,118 `Morse et al. Nov; 9, 1943 2,200,838 Field May 14, 1940 2,168,012 Waner Aug. 1, 1939 

